More About Us

The Lighting Industry Association (LIA) was created following the merger of the Lighting Association (LA) and The Lighting Industry Federation (LIF) in January 2012. Our combined experience in all things lighting dates back to 1905!

Previously the LA served mainly the domestic and decorative lighting industry whilst LIF focused more on the commercial and street lighting sectors.

Following a substantial period of consultation, the Members of each organisation agreed to merge at an Extraordinary General Meeting held on 29th September 2011.

By merging the operations of the LIF and LA into one new expanded association it was agreed that Members and the market generally would benefit, both in terms of better representation of the industry and the provision of services to members especially during a period of rapid technological change for the industry.

The Lighting Association (LA)

Founded in 1939 the LA was originally formed to represent a group of London-based manufacturers of decorative lighting.

The Association grew after the war and in the 1980s began to attract members from other sectors of the lighting industry.

By 2011 the membership totalled around 190 companies, with 40% from the decorative sector and the remaining membership

madeup from commercial producers of luminaires, lamps and components.

The LA carried out a wide variety of functions on behalf of its members. This included training and technical representation at international and UK levels. It liaised with government departments in the UK and Europe and lobbied in Europe via its involvement with CELMA the Brussels-based Association of European Associations on standards and legislation.

The LA Code of Practice (which was a condition of membership for companies not registered to ISO 9000), was a widely respected tool to enable members to support their claim to CE mark their products. This included an annual review of quality systems, test procedures and documentation.

The LA created the Lighting Association Laboratory, a fully accredited test laboratory dedicated entirely to the testing of light sources and luminaires for which members enjoyed beneficial rates. The LA was based in Telford with a staff of approximately 20 including the Laboratory.

The Lighting Industry Federation (LIF)

The Lighting Industry Federation (LIF) was established as a limited company in 1969, but its origins go back to 1905. It was the Trade Association for the Lighting Industry with particular focus on non-decorative lighting.

LIF’s primary purpose was to promote and develop the UK commercial lighting market for the long-term benefit of its members and other stakeholders. It represented the voice of the industry in discussions with government, NGOs, the EU Commission and Standardisation bodies on issues of relevant legislation and standardisation.

Based in London, LIF provided technical and commercial support services to its members and organised discussion groups on industry issues. LIF was also a major provider of recognised and respected lighting training courses for professionals in the commercial lighting industry.

Quality Assurance

We recognize the importance of ISO in establishing global standards and the need for certification. That is why we’ve secured ISO 9001 certification from BSI.

BSI ISO audits assess the integrity and robustness of our Quality Management System in maintaining conformance to the ISO 9001 standard throughout our organisation.

You can see more about our commitment to quality from our Quality Policy.